Levitating Tinsel

In this demonstration, a loop of aluminized tinsel can be levitated above a charged pie pan. By charging a Styrofoam base with wool and transferring charge to the pie pan, electrostatic repulsion makes the tinsel float in the air.

1. Make a loop of aluminized tinsel, leaving two ends (legs) hanging.
2. Tape a Styrofoam cup upside down in the center of an aluminum pie pan to form a handle.
3. Rub a large Styrofoam sheet with wool for at least 30 seconds to charge it.
4. Place the pie pan on top of the charged Styrofoam. Touch the pie pan with your finger to give it a positive charge.
5. Pick up the pie pan using only the Styrofoam cup handle. Keep your hands away from the metal.
6. Turn the pan upside down, holding it above your head with the flat side facing up.
7. Hold the tinsel loop about 10 cm above the pie pan, then release it.
8. Observe as the tinsel falls, briefly touches the pan, and then repels upward, floating in mid-air.

Science Experiments: Flying Tinsel - STEM Learning:

📄 Flying Tinsel - Exploratorium: https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/flying-tinsel

• Experiment with different tinsel lengths and shapes (e.g., strips vs. loops).
• Test how humidity affects the ability to hold a charge.

• Use only in dry conditions; high humidity reduces effectiveness.

• Why does the tinsel float above the pan instead of sticking to it? (Because after touching the pan, both the tinsel and pan have the same charge, so they repel.)
• Why does the tinsel open into a circle as it floats? (The positive charges spread out along the tinsel and repel each other.)
• What would happen if you touched the tinsel while it was flying? (It would lose its charge and fall.)
• How is this similar to static cling in clothing or the way photocopiers work? (Both involve electrostatic attraction and repulsion.)